Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks Oklahoma

           I had pinned almost everything I would be doing at the aquarium.  I cleaned tanks, changed floss bags, filled tanks after backwashing, vacuuming out tanks, and I got to feed fish, reptiles, amphibians; I was even allowed to do a feed show.  There were days that I really enjoyed being there and the work that I was doing.  There were other days where I messed up so badly that I wanted to drive home and be done for the day.  I learned a ton about the animals that I worked with, how aquariums look like behind the scenes, what all is involved in keeping one running and that being tall isn’t a pro when it comes to working in an aquarium.  Most of all, I learned some things about myself that I didn’t know. 

            Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a marine biologist and work with fish.  Fish are super cool animals and I stand by my original sentiments about them.  This summer was me putting my theory into practice.  Yes, I loved feeding the animals, cleaning the tanks and waving at the children that would watch me, and getting the inside scoop.  What I didn’t expect was how I feel about it after three weeks.  As I have contemplated how I would enjoy this as a career, I came to realize that I wouldn’t be content cleaning the same 20-30 tanks almost weekly for the next 30 years of my life.  The time at the aquarium wasn’t wasted, I have learned that I need a different career path and have two years to change my focus and try my hand at some other biology and chemistry related fields.  I came away with some great memories and some great work experience with animals. 

Overall, I did enjoy my time there and do not think for a moment that it was time wasted.  I learned some very important things about what working in an aquarium is really like, possible other career paths, career environment preferences and how to keep myself motivated when I am making mistakes.  -Brenna 

If you have any questions, feel free to email Brenna at brenna.cragun@gmail.com